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Predictions for the fun that is the World Cup knockout stage

A fan holds up a replica of the World Cup trophy prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between the Netherlands and Chile at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 23, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

RIO DE JANEIRO — We have reached the business end of the 2014 World Cup.

Sorted through the riff-raff. Summarily dismissed those found wanting.

Defending champion Spain, Italy, England and Portugal have all been consigned to the wastebasket and shipped home in shame while Algeria, Greece, Costa Rica and the Americans move on. Go figure.

Shock. Disappointment. Disbelief. It’s been a round-robin jam-packed with goals, dodgy refereeing decisions and inspirational performances by stars such as Neymar, Messi and Muller. And the real fun is only getting started. Yes, now the knockout phase is upon us and so are … penalties.

Here’s how the Round of 16 shapes up:

Combination of file pictures shows Chile’s forward Alexis Sanchez (L) on June 18, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s forward Neymar in Brasilia on June 23, 2014. Brazil will face Chile during the 2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match in Belo Horizonte on June 28, 2014. GABRIEL BOUYS, JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images

Brazil vs. Chile

Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Saturday

To an utterly convinced Selecao faithful all these silly knockout games are but mere formality to a Carnevale-spectacular coronation on July 13 at the legendary Maracana. Well, it may not be quite so simple. Brazil has been far from convincing at the back and Chile’s one of those in-your-grill, battling sides that will give them absolutely no peace on the ball. Expect a track meet. Can Arturo Vidal and Co. let the air of the canary-yellow Brazilian balloon? They feel they’ve got a pin at the ready and will surely give it a right go.

Prediction: Brazil, 3-2.

Combination of file images shows Uruguay’s forward Edinson Cavani (L) on June 14, 2014 in Fortaleza and Colombia’s midfielder James Rodriguez on June 24, 2014 in Cuiaba. Colombia faces Uruguay during the 2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16 in Rio de Janeiro on June 28, 2014. TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA, GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

Colombia vs. Uruguay

Estadio Maracana, Rio, Saturday

Serial villain Luis Suarez and his infamous incisors are already back home in Montevideo to a hero’s welcome, but in one act of mindless madness La Celeste has been deprived of its emotional spur and match-winner. The man they hope can fill an unfillable void, Edinson Cavani, has been little more than a ghost here. The Colombians strolled through Group C, scoring nine and surrendering only two and look a genuine threat to go deep into this knockout phase.

Prediction: Colombia, 2-0.

This combination of two file images shows Mexico’s forward Javier Hernandez (L) celebrating scoring during a Group A football match between Croatia and Mexico at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife on June 23, 2014 and Netherlands’ forward Arjen Robben (R) controlling the ball during a Group B football match between Netherlands and Chile at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 23, 2014. Mexico is set to face the Netherlands’ on June 29, 2014 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 football match in Fortaleza. GABRIEL BOUYS, JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images

Netherlands vs. Mexico

Estadio Castelao, Fortalenza, Sunday

Adaptability to situation and opponent is the Dutch’s greatest attribute. Staunch in defence and able to count on Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to create just enough magic up front. Expect a clean, convincing, thoroughly professional performance from a Louis van Gaal side that can expect to still be standing when the semifinals roll around July 8 and 9.

Prediction: Netherlands, 2-0.

(FILES) A combination of file images created on June 27, 2014 shows Konstantinos Mitroglou (L) of Greece controlling the ball during the FIFA 2014 World Cup playoff football match Romania vs. Greece in Bucharest on November 19, 2013 and Costa Rica’s forward and captain Bryan Ruiz controlling the ball during the Group D football match between Costa Rica and England at The Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on June 24, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Costa Rica will play Greece on June 29, 2014 at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife in their Round of 16 football match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil. MIRCEA ROSCA, BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

Costa Rica vs. Greece

Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Sunday

Costa Rica shocked everyone by beating Uruguay, Italy and England to the summit of Group D and was full marks in doing so. FourFourTwo Magazine, the bible of the game, summed up the Costa Rican pre-tournament prospects as: “Doomed.” Yet here they stand. Greece is only around because of a scandalous penalty call at the death of its deciding match against the Ivory Coast. And 2004 is a long time passed.

Prediction: Costa Rica, 1-0.

France’s forward Karim Benzema kicks the ball during the Group E football match between Ecuador and France at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 25, 2014. FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

France vs. Nigeria

Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, Monday

Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus are still very much a work-in-progress but displaying tremendous potential. The Nigerians scraped through at 1-1-1 with only three goals scored. Despite drawing a blank against brave Ecuador in their final group match, it’s difficult to envision Karim Benzema and pals not denting the Super Eagles at least once.

Prediction: France, 2-0.

Germany’s forward Thomas Mueller (R) celebrates with (L-R) Germany’s defender Jerome Boateng, Germany’s defender Philipp Lahm, Germany’s midfielder Toni Kroos and Germany’s forward Miroslav Klose after scoring their first goal during a Group G football match between US and Germany at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 26, 2014. NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images

Germany vs. Algeria

Estadio Beiram-Rio, Porto Alegre, Monday

The Algerians are one of those lovely stories the World Cup produces, with their rabid supporters weeping and praying in the stands. It’s an immense achievement for them, reaching the knockouts. Well, it’s all been rather lovely but welcome to reality. The Germans, as we all know, are skilled, deep and clinical. After a narrow but dominating win over the U.S., bet on helmsman Joachim Low having Die Mannschaft in a merciless mood.

Prediction: Germany, 3-0.

Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates his goal with midfielder Angel Di Maria (R), during a Group F football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 25, 2014. PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images

Argentina vs. Switzerland

Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Tuesday

Lionel Messi, looking to finally add the one missing jewel to his crown, must be the MVP of the first phase. Yet it’s been a grind so far, and boss Alejandro Sabella concedes the Argentinians need to tighten up at the back if they hope to challenge the big boys. Which is where Swiss hat-trick hero Xherdan Shaqiri’s enters the frame. Someone — Ezequiel Lavezzi, Sergio Aguero — must step up and give Messi a bit of offensive support. Still in such rich form, can anyone possibly see the little genius leaving this tournament this early?

Prediction: Argentina, 2-1.

Tim Howard of the United States acknowledges the crowd after being defeated by Germany 1-0 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil group G match between the United States and Germany at Arena Pernambuco on June 26, 2014 in Recife, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Belgium vs. USA

Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Tuesday

The Belgians arrived here as one of the intriguing outsiders, nobody quite sure how seriously to take them. Well, they only conceded a goal once while running off three Ws, in a less-than-intimidating group. So the jury’s out on just how viable a contender they really are. And this shapes up as a banana-peel match. The Americans — organized, tenacious and unafraid — have ‘keeper Tim Howard in wonderful form but barely touched the ball against either Ghana or Germany. They’ll still relish this matchup.